MacPractice offers assistance

LINCOLN, Nebraska--MacPractice, an Apple developer of practice management and clinical software on Macs and iPhones for medical and dental offices, has announced launch of new iPad integration solutions that allow dentists to use MacPractice DDS, DR (Digital Radiography/Photo) and EDR (Electronic Dental Record) on an iPad.

By doing so, dentists can leverage the efficiency and ease of use of Apple’s latest innovation to help streamline care, save time, and reduce the risk of data entry errors.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with requests from dentists who want to use MacPractice DDS and MacPractice Endo on an iPad,” said Mark Hollis, president of MacPractice. “The interface solutions we have tested make it possible for dentists to use this incredible device to chart existing conditions and treatment, enter visit notes and review X-rays and photos with a patient in the treatment room.”

Besides qualifying its MacPractice iPhone Interface for use on the iPad, the new iPad interface solutions leverage collaborative technologies to make the total functionality of MacPractice DDS available on an iPad. This includes EDR, prescriptions and e-Prescribe, scheduling and more.

The new MacPractice for iPad portal at www.MacPractice.com/iPad provides a guide to deploying and using the iPad with MacPractice.

Jonathan Ferencz, DDS, a prosthodontist and clinical professor of prosthodontics at New York University College of Dentistry, used his iPad to show five patients their photos and X-rays in the dental chair.

“Four patients were so impressed that they scheduled appointments for suggested treatment,” Ferencz said.

“Were they moved by a clearer vision of their clinical condition and the obvious need for treatment? Or were they impressed with the exquisite display of the iPad and our technical prowess? Frankly, it didn’t matter. My goal is to use the software and hardware tools available to enhance patient care, and that is exactly what is happening.”

The MacPractice iPad interface enables dentists, hygienists, assistants and dental staff to:

* Access MacPractice DDS from within the office with the iPad’s portable, wireless, touch-screen interface. Using a remote desktop connection from the iPad to a Mac computer, dentists can have access to MacPractice DDS, as well as the native iPad functionality, untethered from the computer. Dental staff can carry patient information from one exam room to another and use fingers or a stylus, plus an on-screen keyboard, to access the MacPractice database and add new patient data. If desired, data can also be entered by attaching a keyboard to the iPad or using the keyboard and mouse at the computer. Data is entered directly into MacPractice, eliminating the need to synchronize the iPad with the computer.

* Access MacPractice from outside the office on an iPad. Access to the complete MacPractice DDS system from anywhere with an Internet connection makes it possible to view and update patient charts from home, a satellite office or elsewhere.

* Enable multiple users to simultaneously access MacPractice on a single computer from numerous iPads. Through collaboration with Aqua Connect, MacPractice for iPad allows multiple doctors to access the MacPractice system on a single machine at the same time with local sound and audio support and built-in encryption that satisfies HIPAA guidelines.

“We are proud to offer this joint solution with MacPractice that delivers on the high expectations dentists have had since the announcement of the iPad,” said Ronnie Exley, vice president of Aqua Connect. “The ability to deliver Mac OS X desktops and MacPractice in its full functionality to the iPad has the potential to revolutionize workflow in dentistry.”

* Chart restorative and periodontal conditions and treatment on an iPad and review X-rays and photos with patients. Dentists, dental assistants, and hygienists who use MacPractice DDS may use the iPad’s touch screen to chart examinations and review X-rays and photos with the patient in the treatment room. They can even provide patient education information and entertainment for the patient during procedures using native iPad applications.

* Complete medical EMR questionnaires on an iPad. Office staff using MacPractice can create a customized kiosk for each individual patient with forms required for the visit and hand the patient an iPad on which to complete health, social, and other history forms. Upon completion, the forms will become part of the patient’s record in MacPractice EDR.

* Use an iPad for patient registration. Utilizing MacPractice’s web interface, patients can register for appointments and procedures on an iPad and complete HIPAA forms--either in the office or from home. This not only streamlines the registration process, saves paper and time, but also helps reduce the risk of data-entry errors due to illegible handwriting or typing errors.

For more information about MacPractice iPad solutions, visit the iPad portal.

For more information about MacPractice solutions, visit www.macpractice.com.

To read more about MacPractice, go to www.dentistryiq.com/index/display/article-display/373559/articles/dental-economics/industry-news-2/2010/04/macpractice-guarantees-free-arra-certified-upgrade-to-new-customers.html.

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